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26/09/2008
Ecstasy Could Be Reclassified By Advisory Panel
A government advisory body is set to discuss whether ecstasy should be downgraded from a Class A drug to Class B, against adverse advice from senior UK police officers.
The Advisory Council's specialist drugs body has received a written request from police to maintain the illegal substance as a Class A drug.
However, new head of the Council's Misuse of Drugs body, Professor David Nutt, has insisted ecstasy is less harmful than cocaine or heroin, which should be reflected in its classification.
Earlier calls by the Council to retain the classification of cannabis as 'C' were rejected by Ministers, who plan to raise to substance to Class B.
The latest round of talks concerning ecstasy could be about to rouse heated debate - particularly if the Advisory Council recommends a reclassification of the substance.
The body will examine all relevant evidence before a decision is made.
This will include a submission from the Association of Chief Police Officers, warning the downgrading of ecstasy would project an "unfortunate message" to the public.
Research has suggested a quarter of million people use the harmful substance in England and Wales every month.
According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of ecstasy, or MDMA, related deaths fell from 50 in 2003 to 47 in 2007.
Oxford professor Colin Blakemore said: "The problem, one of the problems, is the assumption that if the advisory council recommends that ecstasy should be downgraded they're in a sense encouraging people to use it - that's not the case at all.
"They are simply making a statement about the relative damage associated with ecstasy compared with crack cocaine and heroin, where it is at the moment," he told the BBC.
Those caught supplying or possessing Class A drugs are dealt the most severe punishment from the law.
Ecstasy dealers can expect a maximum jail term of life imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.
While those in possession of Class B drugs face a jail term of five years. Dealers can be dealt a prison sentence of anything up to 14 years.
Home Office officials say ecstasy should stay in class A because there is no such thing as a "safe dose".
(PR/JM)
The Advisory Council's specialist drugs body has received a written request from police to maintain the illegal substance as a Class A drug.
However, new head of the Council's Misuse of Drugs body, Professor David Nutt, has insisted ecstasy is less harmful than cocaine or heroin, which should be reflected in its classification.
Earlier calls by the Council to retain the classification of cannabis as 'C' were rejected by Ministers, who plan to raise to substance to Class B.
The latest round of talks concerning ecstasy could be about to rouse heated debate - particularly if the Advisory Council recommends a reclassification of the substance.
The body will examine all relevant evidence before a decision is made.
This will include a submission from the Association of Chief Police Officers, warning the downgrading of ecstasy would project an "unfortunate message" to the public.
Research has suggested a quarter of million people use the harmful substance in England and Wales every month.
According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of ecstasy, or MDMA, related deaths fell from 50 in 2003 to 47 in 2007.
Oxford professor Colin Blakemore said: "The problem, one of the problems, is the assumption that if the advisory council recommends that ecstasy should be downgraded they're in a sense encouraging people to use it - that's not the case at all.
"They are simply making a statement about the relative damage associated with ecstasy compared with crack cocaine and heroin, where it is at the moment," he told the BBC.
Those caught supplying or possessing Class A drugs are dealt the most severe punishment from the law.
Ecstasy dealers can expect a maximum jail term of life imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.
While those in possession of Class B drugs face a jail term of five years. Dealers can be dealt a prison sentence of anything up to 14 years.
Home Office officials say ecstasy should stay in class A because there is no such thing as a "safe dose".
(PR/JM)
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The Government's drug advisory body is expected to recommending downgrading ecstasy to a class B drug. However, ministers have signalled they will reject the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) advice and keep the substance as a class A drug. The council will publish its long-awaited investigation into the harm caused by the dance drug.
Council's Report Advises Ecstasy Downgrade
The Government's drug advisory body is expected to recommending downgrading ecstasy to a class B drug. However, ministers have signalled they will reject the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) advice and keep the substance as a class A drug. The council will publish its long-awaited investigation into the harm caused by the dance drug.
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Did Mephedrone Kill Penrith Teen?
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Second Class stamps to rise to 21p
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The price of a basic Second Class postage will rise 1p to 21p from April 1 next year, but the price of a First class stamp will remain unchanged, it has been announced today. First Class prices for heavier letters will fall but there will be increases for heavier Second Class mail.
29 May 2015
23 Charged With Drug Offences Following Raids
More than 20 people have been charged with drug offences following a number of raids carried out in London, Gravesend, Dover and Deal. A total of 23 people were arrested during twenty raids carried out over three days. The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 52, have all been charged in connection with the supply of class A drugs.
23 Charged With Drug Offences Following Raids
More than 20 people have been charged with drug offences following a number of raids carried out in London, Gravesend, Dover and Deal. A total of 23 people were arrested during twenty raids carried out over three days. The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 52, have all been charged in connection with the supply of class A drugs.
03 April 2008
Advisory Body Says Cannabis 'Should Remain Class C Drug'
The government's official advisory body on drugs policy is reported to have decided that cannabis should remain a Class C drug. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is due to make its recommendation later this month, after conducting a review on cannabis' legal status on behalf of the government.
Advisory Body Says Cannabis 'Should Remain Class C Drug'
The government's official advisory body on drugs policy is reported to have decided that cannabis should remain a Class C drug. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is due to make its recommendation later this month, after conducting a review on cannabis' legal status on behalf of the government.
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